Shooting Incident at Budiman’s Smokeshop Prompts Regulatory Calls

Rock Hill, South Carolina, September 25, 2025

News Summary

A shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop in Rock Hill has led to urgent calls for the regulation of psychedelic products in South Carolina. Defense lawyers argue the shooter was affected by a drug-laced chocolate bar containing illegal psilocin. This tragic event highlights the risks associated with unregulated psychedelic substances in a rapidly growing market. Lawmakers are now considering stricter regulations in response to this incident and the increasing concerns over safety and health risks linked to psychedelic edibles.

Rock Hill, South Carolina— A deadly shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop has sparked urgent calls for regulation of psychedelic products in South Carolina. On December 4, 2024, Zachary Elias entered the smoke shop brandishing a black semi-automatic rifle, yelling, “Where’s the mushroom man?” He shot three individuals, resulting in the deaths of Emad Thabet Saadalla, 49, and Celcei Johnson, 27. A third person was injured, while a clerk managed to escape without harm.

Defense lawyers for Elias claim that the shootings were the result of a “drug-induced psychosis” linked to a drug-laced chocolate bar he purchased at the shop earlier that day. Subsequent tests identified the presence of psilocin, the active chemical in magic mushrooms, in both the chocolate bar and Elias’ blood. Psilocin is illegal in South Carolina. Elias’ attorneys contend he would not have consumed the chocolate had he known it was laced with an illegal substance.

This incident has ignited a conversation about the potential dangers associated with the unregulated gray market for products that purportedly contain magic mushrooms. Such products are projected to become a $3.3 billion industry by 2031 as more consumers turn to them for both recreational and therapeutic purposes. Despite psilocin and psilocybin being illegal in South Carolina, the market is flooded with products that exploit legal loopholes, frequently containing untested or inaccurately labelled substances.

Recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have linked psychedelic products to an alarming increase in violence. In 2024 alone, the CDC recorded three deaths and over 70 hospitalizations connected to a specific brand of magic mushroom product. Moreover, tests on these products have revealed inconsistent labelling, with many containing various psychoactive substances, including synthetic derivatives that are attempting to be legally compliant.

The chocolate bar that Elias consumed was poorly labeled, only referring to a “mushroom extract” without specifying the dosage or illegal ingredients. Medical professionals express increasing concerns about the safety of psychedelic edibles, particularly following the unfolding events at Budiman’s Smokeshop. Evidence indicates that Elias consumed one and a half Wavy Wafer magic mushroom bars that day, displaying no prior history of mental health issues. Post-consumption, he appeared agitated and exhibited significant psychological changes, culminating in the violent outburst.

During the attack, Elias reportedly expressed alarming delusions, claiming, “I’m Jesus Christ,” indicating a significant disconnect from reality. This tragic incident is not an isolated case; previous CDC warnings have addressed the safety of magic mushroom edibles and their correlation with adverse health impacts. In light of these events, South Carolina lawmakers, including state Sen. Russell Ott and Rep. Heath Sessions, are pursuing legislative changes aimed at better regulating the sale of products containing legal and illegal hallucinogens.

Public health experts have noted a troubling rise in calls to poison control centers concerning psilocybin products, particularly among children. The general public is advised to exercise caution regarding the use of psychedelic products, given their potential to cause psychological distress and the risk associated with unregulated ingredients.

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Additional Resources

• The State
• Wikipedia: Psilocybin
• WSOC TV
• Google Search: psychedelic products regulation
• Herald Online
• Google Scholar: psilocin
• NBC News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Psychedelics
• ZME Science
• Google News: psilocybin use in U.S.

Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL

The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.